First time seeing one of these.

Double D

They're on every radiator. I didn't run the system because the boiler needs to be replaced. 9 of the radiators out of the 13 have regular air vents. The other 4 only have the what is in the pictures. Do I need to remove them and put a standard plug in or can I just put JB weld over the holes and put radiator air vents on the remaining 4?

Steamhead

Those are Ideal "In-Airid" vents. I wouldn't JB-Weld them- remove them and plug the openings if they need replacing. They come out easily with an impact wrench.

Danny Scully

I would clean them out with a paperclip and see if they still work first.

gerry gill

If they work leave them in.

Double D

At one time these used to vent the radiators? Cleaning may work for some but half of them have been drilled plus a vent was added.

tkos115

Wouldn't those have been used back when the system was coal or wood fired because of the vacuum. With a modern oil fired boiler I think you would want a non-vacuum vent valve since it's pretty much a steady constant heat source.

I may be wrong as I'm not an expert but I thought I remembered reading about that.

mattmia2

If you can keep the system in vacuum more of the time the boiler will steam earlier and longer at a lower temp transferring more of the heat from the fuel to the structure rather than up the flue.

Double D

Thanks @Steamhead the impact driver works great. I have no choice but to at least remove the ones that have been drilled.

unclejohn

Who wants to go into business remaking all these neat little gadgets that are in Dans books. Patents must be up by now.